Gun and collectible show in Ruidoso not just for men

Aug. 28--What began as part of an All American Festival that celebrated the All American Futurity 24 years ago, has become one of the largest gun shows in New Mexico. Although the event is no longer associated with the high-stakes race, the All American Gun and Western Collectible Show continues to draw more than 5,000 visitors every Labor Day weekend to Ruidoso. Part of its continued success, say organizers, is the fact that it's not just for men.

"The thing we find the most fun about it is our idea from the beginning that it was not going to be just guns," said organizer Laura Doth. "We incorporated collectibles and things for the ladies. Now, we get groups of women by themselves that come to the show."

More than 200 vendors will be on hand at this year's show and visitors to the show will find a variety of items that include just what the name implies -- everything that relates to guns as well as hunting equipment, knives, cowboy gear, saddles, blankets, spurs, western relics, Indian artifacts, jewelry, coins and more.

And cash, check or credit card is not the only acceptable exchange for goods. As always, opportunities to buy, sell or trade are the tradition as vendors themselves are always looking for new and different items.

"If you have a firearm you want to sell, staff will be available at the front door to insure that rules and regulations are met." Doth said.

One of the hottest selling items at the show is, of course, ammunition.

"I don't know if they'll have .22 shells, but there will definitely be ammo dealers there," Doth said.

The All American Gun and Western Collectable Show is produced by Special Events Resource Group, a non-profit 501c3 New Mexico corporation formed with the purpose of providing funds to benefit legitimate and recognized charities and fund education scholarships for the youth of Lincoln County.

Since its inception in 1999, the group has contributed more than $170,000 to Lincon County charities including $65,000 for Lincoln County scholarships and $16,000 for the Fire Station Fitness Center. This year's special project is the Hondo Community Garden.

The group also maintains and promotes the annuul Ruidoso Oktoberfest. In addition, the Ruidoso Gymnastics Association will be providing food concessions as a fundraiser for their group.

Reporter Kelly Brooks can be reached at 575-257-4001 ext. 4114.

What: All American Gun and Western Collectible Show

When: From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Where: Ruidoso Convention Center, 111 Sierra Blanca Drive.

How much: Admission is $6 for adults; children ages 12 and younger are free.

For more information call 575-257-6171.

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